First confirmed pediatric flu death in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The first pediatric death of the 2017-2018 flu season has been confirmed in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed the first influenza-associated pediatric death.

According to the MDHHS, the flu claims the lives of children every year across the United States.

The MDHHS wants to remind Michigan residents that it's not too late to get vaccinated for protection still this season.

The reported death involves a child from the Upper Peninsula.

Nationally, there have been more than 50 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported during the 2017-2018 flu season.

This flu season has seen elevated activity across the country over the past few weeks, with some of the highest hospitalization rates ever recorded according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MDHHS strongly recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine.

"It is not too late to get vaccinated," said Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive for MDHHS. "The vaccine is your best defense against the flu and will help reduce the severity of symptoms if you catch the flu despite being vaccinated. And remember, if you or your child is sick, stay home to help protect others."

Vaccine is especially important for persons at increased risk for complications from flu, including children, adults aged 65 years and older, persons of any age with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women.

Children less than 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated and need to be protected by vaccination of their close contacts, including parents, siblings, grandparents, child care workers, and healthcare personnel.

During the 2016-2017 flu season, only 44.2% of Michigan residents were vaccinated against flu, putting Michigan in 33rd place in the country.

"It is not too late to get vaccinated," said Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive for MDHHS. "The vaccine is your best defense against the flu and will help reduce the severity of symptoms if you catch the flu despite being vaccinated. And remember, if you or your child is sick, stay home to help protect others."

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